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The Firefly Tribe #1
Inspired
Meet Rocket Malone: a smart, sensitive teen whose life, friends, family and body keep changing with every breath she draws, until it’s hard for her to breathe at all. As if life weren’t complicated enough, she discovers that her mysterious Aunt Polly is actually Polyhymnia, a Greek Muse who desperately needs Rocket’s help to protect Earth from Zeus and an angry nymph named Echo. Juggling middle school In Los Angeles and apprentice Muse training on magical Mount Helikon seems daunting for a girl who hates art (despite being the daughter of a famous glassblower), but Rocket struggles to master the science of inspiration, so she can ride Pegasus and heal Ryan, a tormented (and adorable) teen who lost his home in a fire. As she strives to inspire others, Rocket learns to trust her own voice and realizes that the most important spark she must tend is her own -- because the brighter she shines, the more she lights the way for those around her.
275 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2018
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427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 21, 2017
I received this copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found that the book was little boring and to tell you the truth, it’s not the authors' fault. This book is mainly targeted to middle school girls so I felt that I’m little old for this.
But the story line and creativity is good.
I found that the book was little boring and to tell you the truth, it’s not the authors' fault. This book is mainly targeted to middle school girls so I felt that I’m little old for this.
But the story line and creativity is good.
February 2, 2018
*** Note: I received ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to publishers and NetGalley. ***
That blurb says all about the book. It’s Middle grade Fantasy focuses on 14 old Rocket and on Greek Muses. Book is about self-confidence, believing in your own ability, friendship, growing up, to get inspired and spread inspiration, and how creativity is very important in everyone’s life (that is the basically job of all 9 Muses).
Characters-
Rocket– this 14 year old heroine was smart, valedictorian (I like this word in book), witty, rude (most of the time), who was being teased for her name and her nerdy nature. She was so angry with the changes in life- her mother marries to Rick whom she doesn’t like much, they soon going to have baby, she has to leave her beautiful cottage, her best friend started hanging out with other girl, then there is this mysterious mirror that keep glowing and pretty soon she found out she was apprentice muse. Pheww! Too much for a teen, no doubt she was grumpy. As the story progressed she started to turn from grumpy teen to kind and warm mature young lady. She lacked inspiration in herself and she learned how to find that inspiration in herself by the end. I liked development in her. She was such a nice character that every teen would end up loving her.
Muses were so fun and entertaining in the book, especially Thalia. I liked her ranting on her father, Zeus, how inconsiderate he has been with them. Oh and I loved her witty answer to why he never came on Mount Helikon. They all were so witty and amazing and yeah a bit girly in the book. This book is better to know about Muses.
I liked all secondary characters especially Niko and Rocket’s step dad.
What I liked-
Inspired was narrated by Rocket whose voice made the book so appropriate for readers of her age. In fact even as adult I liked her voice in the book, it was very entreating, light-hearted and refreshing. Her emotions were remarkable throughout the book. I’m sure many middle grader can relate to this character and with the things happening in the book. There was a feel good factor in the book that left me smiling.
Muses were so fun and entertaining in the book, especially Thalia. I liked her ranting on her father, Zeus, how inconsiderate he has been with them. Oh and I loved her witty answer to why he never came on Mount Helikon. They all were so witty and amazing and yeah a bit girly in the book. This book is better to know about Muses.
I liked all secondary characters especially Niko and Rocket’s step dad.
What I liked-
Inspired was narrated by Rocket whose voice made the book so appropriate for readers of her age. In fact even as adult I liked her voice in the book, it was very entreating, light-hearted and refreshing. Her emotions were remarkable throughout the book. I’m sure many middle grader can relate to this character and with the things happening in the book. There was a feel good factor in the book that left me smiling.
Author did a very good in turning the main theme- self-confidence, inner strength- into a beautiful inspirational middle grade novel. When Rocket was losing her friend and was not happy with changes in her life, I thought this book was going to be little sad and whiny but I’m glad it was not. The ups and downs in the life of Rocket was smooth and well balanced.
Talking about Greek Muses– Their introduction in the Museum was cool and unique. All things that readers need to know about them was told nicely. All info about Muses was not dumped at once, it was represented a way that as you progress in the story you know more about them, which made it intriguing. I loved to know their story at mount Helikon, why they were living there, their issues with Zeus, what was their aim or job or goal as being Muse, and little more stories. This was my second book about Muses and I suggest to read this one if like to know about them.
Where there are muses there will be talk about astral form and astral travel (I don’t know why, if anyone know please let me know). Astral thing was like time travel which was very nicely explained in the book, it was easy to understand for any age group. I liked Rocket’s astral travel and things she learned from Muses. There was mention of all sort of legendary persons in different kind of creative skills and gifts like Homer, Amelia Earhart, and many other. There was also mention of Greek stories here and there in the book like story of Prometheus, Daedalus and Icarus, Narcissus, Echo, Artemis and so more. Overall mythical part was good.
I loved the message in the book that creativity is there in all of us, we have creative spark in us. We just need to find it out, should keep it burning and spread it to others. There will always be a negative people who try to suck our creative energy that can make us unhappy (it was represented amazingly by zombie effect on everyone in the school) but should not be discouraged by that. I also liked what Rocket learned by her guitar lesson. Many other little things were said in the book that left me inspired at the end of the book.
I loved the climax and that little tour with Pegasus, it was a nice tiny twist in the end. End was good. That small drop of romance was totally not required and that is too with that Grossman! no…!
why not 5 stars-
It was easy to guess the story. It was totally focused for middle grade audience. The learning part at Mount Helikon was confusing at some points, I kept thinking what they were trying to teach her. But I liked when muses started coming to main point as story progressed and at the end I understood it.
Overall, it was amazing inspirational and entertaining mythological urban fantasy for Middle Grade readers. Those who like to read about Muses and Greek Mythology will enjoy this book.
That blurb says all about the book. It’s Middle grade Fantasy focuses on 14 old Rocket and on Greek Muses. Book is about self-confidence, believing in your own ability, friendship, growing up, to get inspired and spread inspiration, and how creativity is very important in everyone’s life (that is the basically job of all 9 Muses).
Characters-
Rocket– this 14 year old heroine was smart, valedictorian (I like this word in book), witty, rude (most of the time), who was being teased for her name and her nerdy nature. She was so angry with the changes in life- her mother marries to Rick whom she doesn’t like much, they soon going to have baby, she has to leave her beautiful cottage, her best friend started hanging out with other girl, then there is this mysterious mirror that keep glowing and pretty soon she found out she was apprentice muse. Pheww! Too much for a teen, no doubt she was grumpy. As the story progressed she started to turn from grumpy teen to kind and warm mature young lady. She lacked inspiration in herself and she learned how to find that inspiration in herself by the end. I liked development in her. She was such a nice character that every teen would end up loving her.
Muses were so fun and entertaining in the book, especially Thalia. I liked her ranting on her father, Zeus, how inconsiderate he has been with them. Oh and I loved her witty answer to why he never came on Mount Helikon. They all were so witty and amazing and yeah a bit girly in the book. This book is better to know about Muses.
I liked all secondary characters especially Niko and Rocket’s step dad.
What I liked-
Inspired was narrated by Rocket whose voice made the book so appropriate for readers of her age. In fact even as adult I liked her voice in the book, it was very entreating, light-hearted and refreshing. Her emotions were remarkable throughout the book. I’m sure many middle grader can relate to this character and with the things happening in the book. There was a feel good factor in the book that left me smiling.
Muses were so fun and entertaining in the book, especially Thalia. I liked her ranting on her father, Zeus, how inconsiderate he has been with them. Oh and I loved her witty answer to why he never came on Mount Helikon. They all were so witty and amazing and yeah a bit girly in the book. This book is better to know about Muses.
I liked all secondary characters especially Niko and Rocket’s step dad.
What I liked-
Inspired was narrated by Rocket whose voice made the book so appropriate for readers of her age. In fact even as adult I liked her voice in the book, it was very entreating, light-hearted and refreshing. Her emotions were remarkable throughout the book. I’m sure many middle grader can relate to this character and with the things happening in the book. There was a feel good factor in the book that left me smiling.
Author did a very good in turning the main theme- self-confidence, inner strength- into a beautiful inspirational middle grade novel. When Rocket was losing her friend and was not happy with changes in her life, I thought this book was going to be little sad and whiny but I’m glad it was not. The ups and downs in the life of Rocket was smooth and well balanced.
Talking about Greek Muses– Their introduction in the Museum was cool and unique. All things that readers need to know about them was told nicely. All info about Muses was not dumped at once, it was represented a way that as you progress in the story you know more about them, which made it intriguing. I loved to know their story at mount Helikon, why they were living there, their issues with Zeus, what was their aim or job or goal as being Muse, and little more stories. This was my second book about Muses and I suggest to read this one if like to know about them.
Where there are muses there will be talk about astral form and astral travel (I don’t know why, if anyone know please let me know). Astral thing was like time travel which was very nicely explained in the book, it was easy to understand for any age group. I liked Rocket’s astral travel and things she learned from Muses. There was mention of all sort of legendary persons in different kind of creative skills and gifts like Homer, Amelia Earhart, and many other. There was also mention of Greek stories here and there in the book like story of Prometheus, Daedalus and Icarus, Narcissus, Echo, Artemis and so more. Overall mythical part was good.
I loved the message in the book that creativity is there in all of us, we have creative spark in us. We just need to find it out, should keep it burning and spread it to others. There will always be a negative people who try to suck our creative energy that can make us unhappy (it was represented amazingly by zombie effect on everyone in the school) but should not be discouraged by that. I also liked what Rocket learned by her guitar lesson. Many other little things were said in the book that left me inspired at the end of the book.
I loved the climax and that little tour with Pegasus, it was a nice tiny twist in the end. End was good. That small drop of romance was totally not required and that is too with that Grossman! no…!
why not 5 stars-
It was easy to guess the story. It was totally focused for middle grade audience. The learning part at Mount Helikon was confusing at some points, I kept thinking what they were trying to teach her. But I liked when muses started coming to main point as story progressed and at the end I understood it.
Overall, it was amazing inspirational and entertaining mythological urban fantasy for Middle Grade readers. Those who like to read about Muses and Greek Mythology will enjoy this book.
November 12, 2017
Great book, loved the storyline! Plot threads were neatly woven and pulled together perfectly, Rocket was well written, interesting use of mythology, loved that it was dependant on what culture you are, that each person would see their own version rather than assuming everyone was the same. Would love to read more :)
May 28, 2018
This story is definitely meant for a younger audience, middle school perhaps, but I found it to be fun and a cute read. It kept me interested throughout, though I pretty much knew what was going to happen from the beginning.
The main character's name is Rocket (yes, that's her real given name) and she finds out she descended from Muses so it required to train as an apprentice Muse for seven years. I enjoyed watching her learn about her special power/skill, but I thought she took to it a little too easily.
I think those of a younger age would enjoy this book, especially if they enjoy mythology themed books.
3.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
The main character's name is Rocket (yes, that's her real given name) and she finds out she descended from Muses so it required to train as an apprentice Muse for seven years. I enjoyed watching her learn about her special power/skill, but I thought she took to it a little too easily.
I think those of a younger age would enjoy this book, especially if they enjoy mythology themed books.
3.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
December 17, 2017
I thought this book was great for kids. It teaches you quite a bit about Greek mythology while 'inspiring' the youth of today to find beauty in themselves. My one criticism is the fact the attempt to complete CPR was done incorrectly. We haven't done blind finger sweeps in several years.
June 9, 2020
This book was pretty good for its intended audience. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m usually an advocate for demographic not deciding what a reader would or wouldn’t like but in some cases, I do feel that a younger me would’ve enjoyed this all the more.
The story revolves around Rocket (I loved that name) who’s a fourteen-year-old girl surviving middle school. While the main theme revolves around a coming-of-age story, it takes huge turns when Greek mythology is added to the story line. While the initial focus of the story is about a teenager who’s witnessing a step-dad stepping into a picture, her mom getting pregnant again, moving houses, and her best friend drifting away from her. Wow, sounds like a ton of conflict and it was pretty good in terms of character development because Rocket does gradually transform into a calmer person than what she first comes across as.
Soon Rocket finds out she’s a muse and that’s how Greek gods and famous personalities come into play. First of all, I absolutely love some good mythology and Greek specifically never fails to amuse me. However, most of the time I felt everything was just too much, if you get what I mean. There’s a teenager’s struggle to find a stable place in their upside life and suddenly there are so many names I haven’t heard before but are apparently important. Maybe just a few plot lines could’ve kept me interested and not confused but overall, it kinda tired me.
Having said that, this was actually pretty good if I consider myself a middle-grader. It touches themes of self-confidence and becoming stronger ourselves. It’s quite motivational and the journey of Rocket is well sorted to clearer get a message across. Like I already mentioned, there’s a good character development and that works as a subtle inspiration.
The story revolves around Rocket (I loved that name) who’s a fourteen-year-old girl surviving middle school. While the main theme revolves around a coming-of-age story, it takes huge turns when Greek mythology is added to the story line. While the initial focus of the story is about a teenager who’s witnessing a step-dad stepping into a picture, her mom getting pregnant again, moving houses, and her best friend drifting away from her. Wow, sounds like a ton of conflict and it was pretty good in terms of character development because Rocket does gradually transform into a calmer person than what she first comes across as.
Soon Rocket finds out she’s a muse and that’s how Greek gods and famous personalities come into play. First of all, I absolutely love some good mythology and Greek specifically never fails to amuse me. However, most of the time I felt everything was just too much, if you get what I mean. There’s a teenager’s struggle to find a stable place in their upside life and suddenly there are so many names I haven’t heard before but are apparently important. Maybe just a few plot lines could’ve kept me interested and not confused but overall, it kinda tired me.
Having said that, this was actually pretty good if I consider myself a middle-grader. It touches themes of self-confidence and becoming stronger ourselves. It’s quite motivational and the journey of Rocket is well sorted to clearer get a message across. Like I already mentioned, there’s a good character development and that works as a subtle inspiration.
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January 19, 2019
Rocket woke up and she wasn’t sure why but hre cat Moo was very nervous. She had been moving stuff from the cottage and was exhausted as her mother had just got married to Rick and was off on her honeymoon.Rick owns an solar energy company, drives a hybrid and is obsessive about recycling. Rocket is thirteen. Rocket was merging the two households and moving to Rick’s much bigger house in the Hollywood hills. Earlier that day a strange messenger showed up at her new home by the door that led to the patio. He was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt but they looked wrong somehow. There was a crate almost as tall as he was. Than when she asked if she should sign for it he said yes as that was the custom in her world. Than he whisked a gold clipboard and ostrich quill out of thin air, Welcome to Hollywood. Now the mysterious crate was glowing. Rocket opened the crate and a tall narrow mirror with silver glass and a carved wooden frame that looked old sat in the room. There was a tarnished disc made of some sort of metal. The disc pulsed with a soft golden light. Rocket grabbed a sock to polish the disc and a jolt tingled through her fingers. With the tip of her index finger she explored the groves in the disc. Rocket’s skin tingled and the light pulsed more rapidly as if responding to her touch. Than before she knew it both of Rocket’s hands were held captive. Than voices came out of the mirror and the hard surface of the mirror dissolved. She heard voices murmur than she heard a woman say “ Is it done Narcissus? “ “ Yes Cleo” a man said and Rocket recognized the delivery man’s voice. The rocket shouted “ Let go of me!” Than the woman said “ she is not ready.” The mirror went dark and her hands flew out of the disc. She flew back and her mattress frame with her head and blacked out.
I couldn’t get into this book. It just didn’t hold my attention. I even put it down and went back to it a few days later but still no go. I am sure others will enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.
I couldn’t get into this book. It just didn’t hold my attention. I even put it down and went back to it a few days later but still no go. I am sure others will enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.
November 3, 2017
Every now and then a book comes along that hits a note that speaks far beyond the story on the page, and this is it! I'm enamored by this magical story of sculpture that comes to life, worlds within worlds, Greek mythology, and people who observe much more than just body language. I'm nearly 50, so I'm not the intended audience, but I loved this story from the perspective of a story well told, and also as an empowering example of women helping women to grow, thrive, and embrace our uniqueness. Most of all, this book makes me want to go play with beads, and weave something, play the piano, and maybe even pull out my paints. This book is a life affirming study in the nature of creativity and our power to help people live true non-conformist lives of authenticity and compassion. I love the story, and I love the heart and creativity of the storytelling.
March 10, 2018
This is a charming story aimed at a YA audience but enjoyable for readers of all ages who enjoy teen drama mixed with magic and mythology. The protagonist‘s life feels very real, with relatable challenges; then the magic kicks in! Sprinkled with literary figures and loaded with Greek mythology, the fantastical interludes provide solace and coping mechanisms for the real-life drama. It is a very promising debut novel. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2018
I can honestly say, I love this book. I haven't read a book about a muse before and this made it extra special. What I love most about this book are the wonderful stories about the Greek gods and goddesses and of course the special appearances of some of the greatest writers and thinkers. Everything is woven amazingly into a story everybody should read. Highly recommended. I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Inner Flower Child Books!
November 9, 2017
I don't think the cover really goes with the story, but that's about the only negative thing I can think of. I like the original name "Rocket" being a female. I like this whole book is a journey in her believing in herself. The new use of the old Gods is great. This is a great book for any age group. The is just a well told story with a free flowing storyline.
March 17, 2019
Beautiful
Answering the questions that life throws at us is a daunting task!
But here in these words, maybe just maybe, we can take solise that there are people who try to help us find our own answers.
I hope that you will enjoy this as much as I did.
Answering the questions that life throws at us is a daunting task!
But here in these words, maybe just maybe, we can take solise that there are people who try to help us find our own answers.
I hope that you will enjoy this as much as I did.
November 4, 2017
#netgalley #Inspired
Great book for the middle grade and young adults. I love the message that the book conveys about believing in yourself. It is going to be a series. I think that it has alot of appeal for many ages.
Great book for the middle grade and young adults. I love the message that the book conveys about believing in yourself. It is going to be a series. I think that it has alot of appeal for many ages.
February 26, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I enjoy reading books geared towards people of younger ages, teen, and YA but this was admittedly, a bit young even for me. Don't get me wrong, it was packed with really interesting information, fun facts, tips on how to be more environmentally friendly, and cheesy anecdotes, but it just didn't all seem to come together properly.
It's a coming of age tale of young Rocket who is 14 years old. She seems to go through all the usual things young girls go through when graduating middle school, getting her period, getting ditched by her friends, being uprooted from her own life after her mother marries and then gets pregnant, not to mention she comes from a long line of muses...yes muses. She spends her nights on Mount Helikon learning how to become a muse while interacting with other gods and demi gods. Famous people from any point in time litter the pages from references to famous authors, painters, inventors, and composers; temporal zones are not in effect. There's also an incredibly large and somewhat confusing amount of other apprentice muses that get thrown into the mix which are difficult to keep straight. Rocket's new mission in life is to inspire herself as well as others around her, and ultimately save the world from stagnation and mediocrity.
I don't know. I usually love anything with Greek myths in it, and I'm usually a sucker for a young teen struggling to find themselves and their purpose in life but this really didn't jive with me. Perhaps a bit too many liberties were taken and the poems really grated on my nerves. My real rating for this would have been 2.5 stars but I rounded up. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I'd say give it a try to anyone interested in feel good books filled with interesting Greek myths/information. And if you like a bit of cheese, well this one's for you.
Normally I enjoy reading books geared towards people of younger ages, teen, and YA but this was admittedly, a bit young even for me. Don't get me wrong, it was packed with really interesting information, fun facts, tips on how to be more environmentally friendly, and cheesy anecdotes, but it just didn't all seem to come together properly.
It's a coming of age tale of young Rocket who is 14 years old. She seems to go through all the usual things young girls go through when graduating middle school, getting her period, getting ditched by her friends, being uprooted from her own life after her mother marries and then gets pregnant, not to mention she comes from a long line of muses...yes muses. She spends her nights on Mount Helikon learning how to become a muse while interacting with other gods and demi gods. Famous people from any point in time litter the pages from references to famous authors, painters, inventors, and composers; temporal zones are not in effect. There's also an incredibly large and somewhat confusing amount of other apprentice muses that get thrown into the mix which are difficult to keep straight. Rocket's new mission in life is to inspire herself as well as others around her, and ultimately save the world from stagnation and mediocrity.
I don't know. I usually love anything with Greek myths in it, and I'm usually a sucker for a young teen struggling to find themselves and their purpose in life but this really didn't jive with me. Perhaps a bit too many liberties were taken and the poems really grated on my nerves. My real rating for this would have been 2.5 stars but I rounded up. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I'd say give it a try to anyone interested in feel good books filled with interesting Greek myths/information. And if you like a bit of cheese, well this one's for you.
May 28, 2020
THIS BOOK WAS HORRIBLE. I don't know how it got so many good reviews. It extremely sucked. Susan Bernado is a wannabe author who thinks she can just become the next jk Rowling, Suzanne Collins, CS Lewis, Rick Riordan, or JRR Tolkan, all authors than I loved. Even Stephanie Myers is better than this garbage. As a person who reads a lot of books and has plenty of books I should know. She doesn't even understand fourteen years olds which is a problem. I am fourteen I should know. All of the characters are extremely immature and nobody is that obsessed with fashion. For example, they laugh at the word potty?! No no no they are in eighth grade not fourth. The book was incredibly slow paced, and Rocket's social life was more interesting than the stupid Muse thing. It was confusing and pointless. And there is no Valedictorian for eighth grade. Rocket isn't even that smart like how did she possibly expect the guitar plan to work out? Do not read this or get it for a relative trust me. The reviews were all written by adults who are not at the proper age group to review this. It is not some special coming of age book, those parts are just weird and too much. Trust me I extremely disliked this book. Rick was just a jerk and Rocket was just a baby. She complained and whined about everything and wasn't very grateful. How are we supposed to root for her? And the fact that she was somehow able to persuade Zeus? Umm... NO. And she acted like they bought the, "cottage" cheap? It was on freaking Venice Beach there is no way it was cheap. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT KIDS LIKED THIS IT WAS OBVIOUSLY OBLIVIOUS ADULTS THAT WROTE THIS REVIEW. There is no way teenagers would laugh at the word potty. They laugh at each other and innapropriate jokes. Like real innapropriate jokes. Ugh this book sucks...
February 11, 2019
A classic new twist.
Oh joy a classic new twist to an old take of the Greek gods and goddesses. A delight to read and explore A delightful tale for young readers and old alike to explore Greek mythology. A great new adventure to take in.
Oh joy a classic new twist to an old take of the Greek gods and goddesses. A delight to read and explore A delightful tale for young readers and old alike to explore Greek mythology. A great new adventure to take in.
May 22, 2018
I read Inspired and love it! Rocket is a very relatable character and a positive role model for teenagers and young adults. Inspired is such a captivating story that immaculately pairs Greek mythology with modern adolescent life, and demonstrates the importance of using creativity to inspire others and oneself. I would definitely recommend this book to middle and high school aged girls.
May 14, 2018
When the book begins Rocket is unpacking and trying to deal with moving from the only home she ever known into the new stepdad’s runky trippy house. She is scared and alone feeling like her world is upside down. She deals with this by being sarcastic. While this is happening, something odd occurs. She gets a disc mirror that has her see into a strange place. Than her friend has begun to change and her world is crumbling.
The only way Rocket knows to protect herself is to shutdown and be sarcastic and angry. She does do the typical tween thing and lash out. She doesn’t know what else to do. When she just begins to feel a little more settled her world once again is turned around. Her mom gives her life changing news for someone her age and her Aunt Polly tells her she is a muse apprentice. Couple this with the boy Ryan she meets and who is in pain and having his world fall apart as well again and we have a girl with a lot to deal with. She is overwhelmed and angry. And she feels alone.
We see the immaturity of Rocket at the beginning of the book. We see her anger and pain as well. This is expressly written and helps you truly get a picture of how overwhelmed and scared Rocket is. She doesn’t deal well with change. As time goes on Rocket does make mistakes but learns from them but she also is introduced to a different world and learns to live and express herself in a more productive way. She gains friends of the other muse apprentices and sees life differently. She grows and matures. We see her see how others are feeling and she doesn’t just react by lashing out anymore. She begins to process her emotions but also gain empathy. She gains passion and strength but learns so much in her apprenticeship.
I love how Rocket’s relationship with Ryan and her stepdad evolves. She goes from sarcasm to acceptance and love. Ryan is one that she helps through his grief and pain. The character that I love the most is Yaya. She is a hoot and helps Rocket see that living life to its fullest is about showing a celebration of being alive. She helps center Rocket but also gets her to see what life is and how to see life is precious and beautiful.
We see Rocket grow and mature. She begins to look within and accept herself and love herself. This is great imaginative way to teach others this lesson. That people won’t accept you if you don’t accept yourself first. The story is fun and imaginative. The stories on Mount Hellikon are so sweet, imaginative and entertaining. The story is told with Rocket narrating it so it is written in that 13 year old voice. We see the confusion, the anger, the immaturity and frustration of that age play out but we also see her grow and as she does so does her voice.
this is a great middle grade book. I would say even to some extent YA book. Why? the book is written with the main character's voice and it is spot on for her age. She has so much happening all at once and this book shows how she deals with it but also how she grows and matures. We see Rocket deal with all the changes with sarcasm and inner pain but also we see how inspiring she can be. She learns that the only way to truly inspire another is to inspire yourself but also love yourself because if you don't accept yourself than no one really will as well. A fun imaginative story that just entertains. I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
The only way Rocket knows to protect herself is to shutdown and be sarcastic and angry. She does do the typical tween thing and lash out. She doesn’t know what else to do. When she just begins to feel a little more settled her world once again is turned around. Her mom gives her life changing news for someone her age and her Aunt Polly tells her she is a muse apprentice. Couple this with the boy Ryan she meets and who is in pain and having his world fall apart as well again and we have a girl with a lot to deal with. She is overwhelmed and angry. And she feels alone.
We see the immaturity of Rocket at the beginning of the book. We see her anger and pain as well. This is expressly written and helps you truly get a picture of how overwhelmed and scared Rocket is. She doesn’t deal well with change. As time goes on Rocket does make mistakes but learns from them but she also is introduced to a different world and learns to live and express herself in a more productive way. She gains friends of the other muse apprentices and sees life differently. She grows and matures. We see her see how others are feeling and she doesn’t just react by lashing out anymore. She begins to process her emotions but also gain empathy. She gains passion and strength but learns so much in her apprenticeship.
I love how Rocket’s relationship with Ryan and her stepdad evolves. She goes from sarcasm to acceptance and love. Ryan is one that she helps through his grief and pain. The character that I love the most is Yaya. She is a hoot and helps Rocket see that living life to its fullest is about showing a celebration of being alive. She helps center Rocket but also gets her to see what life is and how to see life is precious and beautiful.
We see Rocket grow and mature. She begins to look within and accept herself and love herself. This is great imaginative way to teach others this lesson. That people won’t accept you if you don’t accept yourself first. The story is fun and imaginative. The stories on Mount Hellikon are so sweet, imaginative and entertaining. The story is told with Rocket narrating it so it is written in that 13 year old voice. We see the confusion, the anger, the immaturity and frustration of that age play out but we also see her grow and as she does so does her voice.
this is a great middle grade book. I would say even to some extent YA book. Why? the book is written with the main character's voice and it is spot on for her age. She has so much happening all at once and this book shows how she deals with it but also how she grows and matures. We see Rocket deal with all the changes with sarcasm and inner pain but also we see how inspiring she can be. She learns that the only way to truly inspire another is to inspire yourself but also love yourself because if you don't accept yourself than no one really will as well. A fun imaginative story that just entertains. I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
May 14, 2018
When I first started with this book, I wasn't totally sure how I was going to feel about it. Middle school aged characters always sort of seem to exist in a sort of limbo for me because it can be difficult to balance how they realistically ought to be behaving with a story that is interesting enough to maintain the reader's interest. In this case, though, I'd say that the book was a great success! Admittedly, the mom in me balks at the idea of middle school students having boyfriends, but it's not unheard of and adds to the realism of the story. Personally, I really appreciate that the author thought to address some very serious, very real world problems even in a story that isn't completely realistic. Fantasy often has a way of overshadowing the more real elements of a story, and that absoultely did not happen in this story. I value the way that she handled these issues, showing young readers both the ways they truly instinctively want to react (like Rocket's many snippy comments and tantrums in relation to her mother's new husband and her impending siblings) as well as healthy ways to work through these situations.
Personally, I found the book to have sort of a slow start, which is why I give it four stars rather than five. If you stick with it, though, the story is fun, creative, and deals so well with the realities that so many children live on a daily basis. I'll be encouraging my son to read this one when he gets a little older, for sure!
Personally, I found the book to have sort of a slow start, which is why I give it four stars rather than five. If you stick with it, though, the story is fun, creative, and deals so well with the realities that so many children live on a daily basis. I'll be encouraging my son to read this one when he gets a little older, for sure!
May 15, 2018
I found this a quick and sweet middle grade read featuring Rocket - a 14yo girl and Greek Mythology. The story is told in the first person from the perspective of Rocket - her voice through the novel was entertaining and I could engage with her even as an adult reader. I do still believe that a younger audience will have no problem engaging with the characters and the plot of this book. There are underlying themes of confidence in one self, and friendship.I found the plot entertaining and would highly recommend this book for fans of Rick Riordan.
February 28, 2018
Good YA story.
March 9, 2019
Good middle school fantasy piece
October 27, 2021
I got around for half way through and decided not to continue. For some reason this book rubbed me the wrong way
October 28, 2020
Good book about teenage life. Young Adult genre.
May 24, 2018
The setting and world building were excellent, I loved Mount Helikon and Miss Susan’s descriptions made it come to life beautifully! My only complaint would be slow pacing, that’s literally all. I loved the originality, characters, and settings. The ending was wrapped up nicely and I was pretty satifsied. I hope there’ll be more in this series!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Recommendation: Fans of Greek mythology ages 14 and up
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Recommendation: Fans of Greek mythology ages 14 and up
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
January 17, 2018
This book was provided to me via Netgalley.
If you're looking for a book that's a fun, quick read that will leave you smiling, look no further. Personally, I love Greek mythology, so it was pretty much a given that I would like this one a lot. The writing is good, the story is fun to read and there are some quite thought-provoking lines in the book that I loved.
I only have one small criticism: The little hint of romance that was added towards the end seemed forced to me. This book would've been just as great without it in my opinion, and I felt that it was added just so it was there.
Other than that? I really liked the book and would definitely recommend it.
If you're looking for a book that's a fun, quick read that will leave you smiling, look no further. Personally, I love Greek mythology, so it was pretty much a given that I would like this one a lot. The writing is good, the story is fun to read and there are some quite thought-provoking lines in the book that I loved.
I only have one small criticism: The little hint of romance that was added towards the end seemed forced to me. This book would've been just as great without it in my opinion, and I felt that it was added just so it was there.
Other than that? I really liked the book and would definitely recommend it.
November 15, 2018
I am in love with this book. Although this book is targeted at young girls, I found it so enthralling and entertaining. I loved the humor and ethereal connections to the Goddesses. Susan Schaefer Bernardo is an engaging author that knows how to inspire the reader to connect to their own creativity while weaving in colorful characters. I am truly INSPIRED by this book to follow through with my own creative endeavors. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my nieces.
April 19, 2019
This story is full of Greek magic and mythology that is perfectly illustrated. Filled with beautiful prose when and statues that appear enrich insight. Rocket's character is described as very strong and tenacious even though she doesn't know the future direction. Families that are quite turbulent, mothers remarry and father commit suicide. When mom says she's pregnant again, Rocket isn't happy.
I will not tell much but the plot in this story was built fresh and fast. I can feel like that is human life when it is full of problems. But the story in it is full of challenges, struggles of self-confidence, reconciliation, friendship and aura. This story is beautiful and I was amazed.
I will not tell much but the plot in this story was built fresh and fast. I can feel like that is human life when it is full of problems. But the story in it is full of challenges, struggles of self-confidence, reconciliation, friendship and aura. This story is beautiful and I was amazed.
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